MAJESTIC THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 23182, 24 April 1937, Page 21

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“IT ISN’T DONE” BRILLIANT AUSTRALIAN COMEDY ' “It Isn’t Done,” which had its New Zealand premiere last night to a large and appreciative audience at the Majestic Theatre, marks a new stage in Australian film production. Hitherto Australian comedies have depended largely on the newness, and even the rawness, of their background: the flavour of a new country has been expressed through the themes of Steele Rudd and in the use of exaggerated types. “It Isn’t Done” moves from Australia to England, and the success of the film lies chiefly in the skill with which a genuine Australian atmosphere is preserved until the final scene. Cecil Kellaway, who takes the part of Hubert Blaydon, remains unchanged in the baronial castle to which he is suddenly spirited from Australia; it is the naturalness of his reactions to a strange and formal world that provides so much of the comedy. The story is simply the adventures of the Blaydon family when news is brought to their homestead in New South Wales that the head of the family is now Lord Blaydon, and the recipient of a cool £9OOO a year. It is necessary for the new peer to go to England, and the strength of the theme is in the family's gradual discovery that their true home is Australia after all. The daughter—played with freshness and charm by Shirley Ann Richards—finds herself in love with Peter Ashton, who is next in line of succession to Lord Blaydon. Their romance is depicted without a single false note and with a sequence of convincing situations that provide a perfect balance for the vein of rich humour which runs through the film. Cecil Kellaway gives a masterly portrayal as the casual Australian who blunders into English society, but quickly asserts himself as a genuine personality. One of the best moments in the story comes when the Blaydons discover that they are awkward guests at a social function; the quiet dignity of their withdrawal is portrayed with great skill. But humour predominates. There are laughs from the first scene to the fade-outs at the end; and they come from the best kind of Australian humour. This is a picture to see, and to remember—with reminiscent chuckles — for many days to come.